Eildon celebrates 70 years and strong doubles, gateball and coaching news

Eildon has had a busy couple of months. The club celebrated its 70th anniversary on Friday 13 June with a shared lunch. President Jill welcomed invited guests and members, then Jill and Patron Gwynneth cut a cake made and iced by Louise. Col Campbell, a past president, committee member and life member, shared some club history. Guests and members continued the celebration by playing croquet on the lawns.

Eildon player Casey de Vene and Mary McMahon from Southport won the Croquet Association of Queensland Open Double Championship at Stephens. Jill and Mike from Eildon came fourth, just ahead of John and Les, also from Eildon. Desley, Lorraine and Steve also played.

Mary McMahon and Casey de Vene with their trophy.

Les and Keith took part in the QAC Gibson Medal hosted by Toombul. Les played well and was runner up in a close final.

Les Watson with CAQ President Mike Eddiehausen.

The club completed its Golf Croquet Divisional Championships. Five Division 1 members played best of three untimed games. Bob and Casey both finished with three matches each, with Bob winning on greater net games. Desley, Mike and John also played.

Casey, Bob, John, Desley and Mike after the Division 1 championship matches.

Division 2 Club Championships were decided on 14 and 15 June. Twelve players nominated, with many close games scored 7-6 or 7-5 across eleven one-hour timed games.

Eildon Gateball White attended the Moreton Bay Gateball Club Teams and Doubles event. Wet, cold and windy conditions ended Saturday after five games. The Sunday weather improved, and Mary and Margaret played doubles, winning two of five games including a win against the event winners.

Margaret and Mary in the Gateball doubles.

Gateball team: Mary, Margaret, Richard, Jules and Grahame.

At Southport, Alan and Phillip won seven of eight games and qualified for the Doubles Final Event. The final doubles event was won by Rockhampton pair Steve and Chris Kele.

Alan and Phillip at the runner up presentation with Dawn Crichlow.

The Eildon Golf and Association pennants teams have also been playing. The club celebrated Christmas in July at the Redcliffe Golf Club with a roast lunch and dessert for about 30 members. Margaret Bevan was congratulated on becoming a Level 1 Golf Croquet Coach. She is already a Gateball Coach.

By Di Leahy, Eildon. From the Croquet Newsletter, July/August 2025, pages 20-23.